Module overview
The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: PHYS2001 AND PHYS2003 AND PHYS2024
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand the Periodic table from the viewpoint of the electronic structure.
- Understand and be able to apply to simple cases time dependent perturbation theory.
- Understand time independent perturbation theory including its derivation and be able to apply it to simple systems, including the Stark-Effect and Zeeman Effect.
- Understand the quantum numbers, including their physical significance, and quantum mechanical states of the hydrogen atom.
- Understand the exchange degeneracy and how this affects the excited states of helium.
- Know about Einstein A and B coefficients and the relationship between them.
- Understand the derivation of and be able to apply the selection rules for the interaction of electric dipole radiation and atoms.
- Know about the origins of fine structure in atomic spectra.
- Understand the concepts of a good quantum number and simultaneous observability.
Syllabus
- Quantum Mechanics in Atomic Physics
- Introduction, Quantum mechanical description of the hydrogen atom Angular Momentum Atomic Spectra Time
- Independent Perturbation Theory Fine Structure
- Spin Orbit Coupling, Relativistic Effects, Hyperfine Structure, Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory Interaction of Atoms with E. M. Radiation
- Absorption and Emission of Radiation, Physical Model, Allowed and Forbidden Transitions, Spontaneous Emission Many Electron Atoms
- Periodic table Helium
- Independent Electron Model, Electron-Electron Interactions, Term Symbols Structure of Many Electron Atoms
- Alkali Metal Atoms, Helium-like Atoms, Hund's Rules, Atomic Orbitals, Slater Orbitals, Self consistent field calculations, Coupling Schemes, Spin Orbit Interactions, LS-coupling approximation, jj-coupling approximation, Selection Rules Atoms in Electric or Magnetic Fields
- Atoms in Magnetic Field, Zeeman Effect, Weak-Field Zeeman Effect, Strong field Zeeman effect, Atoms in Electric Fields, Stark effect.
Learning and Teaching
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Follow-up work | 13.5 |
Wider reading or practice | 77 |
Completion of assessment task | 9 |
Revision | 10 |
Lecture | 36 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 13.5 |
Total study time | 159 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
G K Woodgate (1983). Elementary Atomic Structure. McGraw-Hill.
D G C Jones (1997). Atomic Physics. Chapman and Hall.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Late hand-ins of problem sheets are not allowed.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Problem Sheets | 10% |
Examination | 90% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 90% |
Coursework marks carried forward | 10% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework marks carried forward | 10% |
Examination | 90% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External